Mormon Cricket

Subject: HUGE Green Insect
Location: Near Mt. Spokane, WA
August 19, 2013 8:14 am
Hello, we found this very large bug on our property near Mt. Spokane State Park in Washington State. I think one of the boys found it in our water bucket for bees. I’ve combed through websites and pictures and I’m still unable to identify this thing. We are intrigued by its color and size. It is several inches long with ovipositor, as you can see it on his forearm/palm and shoulder. Thank you for any help you are able to offer
Signature: Kamian

Mormon Cricket

Hi Kamian,
This is a Mormon Cricket, Anabrus simplex, or another member of the genus like Anabrus cerciata, and it is highly variable in coloration. Some specimens are nearly black. Mormon Crickets are not true crickets. They are Shieldbacked Katydids. See BugGuide for additional information.